Turkey resumes seismic exploration in disputed eastern Mediterranean
A Turkish gas exploration vessel has resumed research in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Wednesday. “Oruc Reis has arrived at its operation area in the eastern Mediterranean,” Donmez told an energy conference in Istanbul, referring to the ship, according to state news agency Anadolu. “Tests began yesterday […]
A Turkish gas exploration vessel has resumed research in contested waters in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Wednesday.
“Oruc Reis has arrived at its operation area in the eastern Mediterranean,” Donmez told an energy conference in Istanbul, referring to the ship, according to state news agency Anadolu.
“Tests began yesterday and we will start receiving the first seismic data today,” Donmez said, without elaborating.
He said over the weekend the ship would continue exploration of gas reserves south of the Greek island of Kastellorizo until Oct. 20.
NATO members Turkey and Greece have for weeks been at loggerheads over natural gas reserves and maritime boundaries, with both claiming the right to prospect and drill for energy resources in the same part of the eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey government called Oruc Reis back to port in mid-September for what it said was maintenance work before agreeing to start direct exploratory talks with Athens.
Greece, Germany and the U.S. on Tuesday protested the ship’s return to the area.
